Pleasant food experiences that lead to good food memories happen at places other than the kitchen table. They can happen at a hamburger joint that has curbside service, trays that attach to your door and square hamburgers. Krystal burgers were a favorite of my mother’s and we would go there for dinner frequently when my father was out-of-town. Mama loved those little hamburgers. She also loved the fact that we didn’t have to get out of our car to get service. After a hard day at work, she like to get in some comfortable clothes, load us in the car and head off to Krystal. I can’t remember if the curbside ordering stand had music that you could select or if we listened to the car radio but we heard a whole lot of Petula Clark singing “Downtown”. Every time I hear that song today, which is rare, I instantly crave a Krystal burger. Curbside service was considered a big convenience. These were the days prior to drive-thru service. The Golden Arches kept track of how many hamburgers they sold and displayed it on their signage in front of the restaurants. We are in the mid 1960s.
Krystal was started in Chattanooga, TN during the depression. The owners believed, despite economic hard times, folks would appreciate a restaurant that offered good inexpensive food, friendly service and a spotlessly clean restaurant. The first customer, Mr. French Jenkins, purchased 6 Krystal burgers and a cup of coffee for $0.35. One of our Syrup and Biscuits Facebook friends relates the story of her brother-in-law who was a grocery store delivery boy in Chattanooga and he would deliver groceries to the Krystal family. The lady-of-the-house would frequently invite him to come in and have breakfast. Southern hospitality is a way of life for us regardless of our economic standing. Many Southerners have memories of this iconic restaurant that served the square hamburgers.
As we munched on the simple little square hamburgers that had a beef patty, cooked onions, dill pickle, mustard and a steamed bun, we would talk about our day at school. Mama always seemed relaxed. I don’t know if it was due to the fact that dinner was easy, the Krystal burgers were satisfying, the comfort of dining in the car in comfortable clothes, or a combination of all three, but it definitely agreed with Mama. Since Mama was happy……I don’t even need to finish that sentence. You know how it goes.
The story of Mama and Krystal burgers is a story that I will tell my grandchildren, Jackson and Ella. Mama never got to meet them. Amy was pregnant with them (they’re twins) when Mama died. We were all hoping that Mama could hang on and see them. It didn’t work out that way. I have a picture of her in their room at my house. I feel like she’s looking over the babies each time they’re here.
A few years back, I heard a friend talking about making copycat Krystal burgers. She said she had found the recipe on the Internet. I never gave that another thought until a few weeks ago as I planned some upcoming blog posts. Jella (that’s Jackson and Ella’s celebrity name – we thought they needed one) are too young to understand the story of Mama and Krystal. Soon, I’ll be able to tell them. In the meantime, I wanted to get a recipe down pat that would be reminiscent of the hamburger. I found several recipes that I just didn’t think would be suitable. One had baby food beef. Wrong. One had the meat scrambled like Sloppy Joes without the sloppy. Wrong. One had dried onion soup mixed in the meat instead of having onions on the outside of the meat. Wrong. The one I thought was closest to the genuine thing was at Big Red Kitchen.
We had the hamburgers for dinner this week with Amy, David and Jella. They were the perfect size for toddler-sized hands. We all enjoyed them so much and they are earning a place of distinction among the menu rotation. I would have loved to share these burgers with Mama. She would have been beside her self with excitement. The burgers have such a special meaning to me that I’m renaming them Jella burgers at the suggestion of Sam. Mama would love that.
Y’all come see us!
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Copycat Krystal Hamburgers
Adapted from Big Red Kitchen
This recipe is so easy you are not going to believe it. The original Krystal burger had cooked onions, a meat patty, mustard, dill pickle and a steamed bun. That was it. Nothing more, nothing less. I tossed around the idea of using fresh onions but decided on dehydrated onions since they were going on the bottom of the ground beef and the grease juice from the ground beef could rehydrate the onions thus retaining all the flavor from the juice. Actually, the meat was lean enough that it didn’t give off very much “juice” at all. I used ground round that was an 85/15 ratio. This is one time that you don’t want ground sirloin.
1/2 cup dehydrated onion
2 lbs ground round (85/15 ratio)
Morton’s Season-All or your favorite seasoned salt
6 American cheese slices
24 dinner rolls (We used potato rolls)
French’s yellow mustard
dill pickles slices
Sprinkle the dehydrated onions on the bottom of a 9X13 pan
Pat the uncooked ground beef on top of the onions.
Sprinkle seasoned salt on top of the ground beef. Place in a 400 degree oven for 25 minutes. Remove from the oven. The beef patty will shrink so don’t be alarmed. Blot up the excess juice from the top so the cheese will adhere to the meat. Sam’s getting into the action and being a hand-model for me.
Add 6 pieces of sliced American cheese. It’s important to use 6 slices because it will give you landmarks to help divide the patty into 24 pieces. Return to the oven for about 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese is melted. Remove from the oven and lest rest for 5 minutes. Slice into 24 slices.
Lift out each burger patty and place on the bottom of the roll. Make sure you get some of the onions on the bottom, too!. Top with a dill pickle slice. Add some yellow mustard to the inside of the top of the roll.
All we’re missing is Petula Clark singing “Downtown”.
Copycat Krystal Hamburgers
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup dehydrated onion
- 2 lbs ground round 85/15 ratio
- Morton's Season-All or your favorite seasoned salt
- 6 American cheese slices
- 24 dinner rolls We used potato rolls
- French's yellow mustard
- dill pickles slices
Instructions
- Sprinkle the dehydrated onions on the bottom of a 9X13 pan
- Pat the uncooked ground beef on top of the onions.
- Sprinkle seasoned salt on top of the ground beef. Place in a 400 degree oven for 25 minutes. Remove from the oven. The beef patty will shrink so don't be alarmed. Blot up the excess juice from the top so the cheese will adhere to the meat.
- Add 6 pieces of sliced American cheese. It's important to use 6 slices because it will give you landmarks to help divide the patty into 24 pieces. Return to the oven for about 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese is melted. Remove from the oven and lest rest for 5 minutes. Slice into 24 slices.
- Lift out each burger patty and place on the bottom of the roll. Make sure you get some of the onions on the bottom, too!. Top with a dill pickle slice. Add some yellow mustard to the inside of the top of the roll.
- All we're missing is Petula Clark singing "Downtown".
KC says
Krystal’s were one of my Papaw’s ‘go to’ meals in the rare event he was tapped to get supper for the grand babies. I sure do miss those days… Thanks you for this! I look forward to making them very soon!
Jackie Garvin says
Hi KC! Please give these a try and let me know what you think! 🙂
bettybabb says
Being from Georgia, we have long enjoyed Krystal burgers…their chili is great too! Our grandchildren have now moved to Florida …. but over the years as they came to visit…the best thing along the way to “grandpa’s and MeMe’s house in GA” would be crossing the state line into GA….and stopping at the Krystal! Unfortunately, Dad doesn’t get by with just a few dollars….this meal for three hungry girls usually runs him well over $20.00…not including drinks!
Jackie Garvin says
Betty,
I haven’t been to a Krystal in ions but I can imagine their prices have skyrocketed along with everything else. Your granddaughters would be thrilled to get to Grandpa and MeMe’s house and find these Krystal kopykats on their kitchen table.
Thanks for sharing your story! 🙂
Jo McGee says
How do you get 24 cheeseburgers from only 6 slices of cheese? I must be missing something. I did enjoy your story and I love Krystals.
Jackie Garvin says
Jo,
Six slices of cheese covers the entire dish. You then cut the cooked hamburger meat into 24 small pieces. Krystals, as you know, are smaller than standard size hamburgers. 🙂
debbie harding says
Here in Texas (Houston) we used to have 1 crystal that recently closed. Growing up in Fla. By the beach we practically grew up on the tiny little burgers, I was in heaven when I found one in Texas. Now I can have them whenever I want. Thankyou, thankyou
Deb
Jackie Garvin says
Debbie,
I wish you many happy years of homemade Krystal burgers! 🙂
PattiK says
Here is Missouri we hav White Castels and 30 years ago were the best of the best Pipping hot fresh and cheap! we have one a couple blocks and hadn’t had any for while and got the craave. They like all others have gone way up a double cheese was $1.89 but worse is that over the lsat 10 years they have been consistantly cold and gone down hill. The bread is not steamed but just out of the pkg. So sad! I made them once from a recipe I found from the Phil Donahue show, Long time ago it did have some veal baby food butwas really pretty good. I think your will be easier and now I look for easier. We have some of the wonderful memories taking my motherlaw for 15-25 cents and they were so hot! Love the stories and reminders we hardly can have any good stuff anymore. can’t wait to give it a try
Jackie Garvin says
Hope you enjoy, PattiK! 🙂
ldyclements says
Making these tonight! My husband and all four step-kids LOVE Krystal’s. So this is gonna be so awesome to be able to make this for them.
Jackie Garvin says
Please let me know how they turn out. Everyone I’ve ever served them to just loves them. Enjoy your dinner!
Rhonda says
I passed along your recipe to my mother, who made these the other day for my White Castle turned Krystal lovin’ dad. Not only were they a hit with him, but with the whole family…kids included…I ate four of ’em myself! Spot on recipe & perfectly done exactly as written…and what an easy treat! Thanks for posting this simple, fun recipe!!
Now seeking a recipe for their chili sauce. The chili pups are my fave.
Jackie Garvin says
Rhonda,
I’m so happy you and your family enjoyed this recipe! It’s one of our favorites, too. 🙂
Karen Dawson says
Although your recipe makes nice hamburgers, they weren’t enough like Krystal Burgers for my Alabama husband. The onion wasn’t “present” enough and the burgers were too thick. However, we now have a great new way to make sliders for a party because your method was fabulously easy.
james gray says
I been eating krystal for 50 year I love them it still good today like it was 50 year ago I all way eat them til the day I die thank you ..james gray
Robert Stephens says
Thank you soooo much. I grew up in the south and it was one of my favorite treats growing up and cannot wait to share it with my children. The problem is that I live in Pennsylvania and we only have white castle, which pales in comparison. Thank you, I am going to go try it now.
Would it be better to grind the meat into smaller pieces before I cook it to get the consistency closer to the original?
Thanks for this recipe.
Jackie Garvin says
Robert,
I’ve never ground the beef anymore than it is when I buy it. I think it turns out great just like it is.
April says
Hi, I live in London ontario Canada and i just want to say MMM!!! Such yummy burgers and so cute to!!! My 12 Grandchildren love them.!!!!!! Unfortunately we in Canada do not have a Krystal’s or white castle but we do have other fast food restaurants but nothing compares to these little suckers!!!! This i a recipe that is definitely going in my recipe box for keeps! When everyone of my Grandchildren love something so much like these little burgers you know its a keeper!!
Thanks so much for sharing. I love your blog and your memories of your mother!!
Keep up the good work!!!!
And never lose those precious memories!!!
Keep smilimg it makes people wonder what your up to lol.
Jackie Garvin says
April,
Thank you so much for your kind and inspiring words. Syrup and Biscuits exists because of people like you.
Carolyn says
These are so good. I’ve made your recipe and I think they are spot on!! We had one Krystal burger I could find here in Fort Worth tx. They closed it and I was so upset. It was way across town. When my husband and I would go for a long outing we would stop by. It was a special treat. We were always so excited to get our little swishy burgers. I do not think there are any left in Texas. So sad!! But when we need them we make your recipe. Thank you for sharing!!
Jackie Garvin says
It’s so good to hear from you, Carolyn! I’m delighted to hear you like the recipe. Too bad you lost the only Krystal in your town.
Angelina says
This sounds pretty good, and also easy to prepare, but I don’t understand why we’d need to use an 85/15% Ground Round mixture, and THEN have to sop-up the excess GREASE with a paper towel…. rather than to use a leaner ground beef mixture in the first place. Please explain.
Jackie Garvin says
Angelina,
I believe 85/15 ground beef has better flavor than anything leaner and results in a more tender finished product.
Nancy says
I remember daddy going to get Krystal burgers 10 for a dollar. He would get 2 bags full and feed a family of 8. I still eat them!!
The only difference to me between Krystal and White Castle is Krystal adds pepper to theirs….nice article!
Jackie Garvin says
Thank you for sharing your memory, Nancy. So glad you enjoyed the article.
Baltisraul says
One little trick that will combine the best of both worlds of Krystal’s and White Castle cheeseburgers. Before placing the burgers in the oven, poke holes in the hamburger with a larger serving fork. This will allow some of the excess juices to return back into the meat. This is the White Castle part of the recipe. Those that try this will be getting their combo fix of both locations.
Jackie Garvin says
That’s a great tip! Thanks for sharing.
Baltisraul says
Thanks. We have moved from Georgia to Tallahassee and we have neither Krystal’s or White Castle . You don’t even hear folks say that there is one ‘over yonder’ Only true Southerners know how far over yonder is. And if we don’t know, it can’t be close.
Jackie Garvin says
I’m surprised you can’t find a Krystal in Tallahassee. However, Tallahassee certainly isn’t a Southern town. You need to go north to get back in the South.
Baltisraul says
Tallahassee is just an extension of So Georgia. Only 23 miles to the border. It is like we never left home. Ha Ha Joined your subscription today. Just know we are going to love it.
Jackie Garvin says
Thank you for your support and welcome! The panhandle is South Georgia and South Alabama. On the whole, Tallahassee hasn’t maintained its southern personality.
Robin says
These look soooooo good! This will be perfect for our house guests this weekend to nibble on.
Jackie Garvin says
Thank you, Robin!
Shay says
We love Krystal burgers. I hope you don’t mine a tip? Just use Steakums. It’s the same as Krystal’s. Thanks, keep pumping out the recipes.
Jackie Garvin says
Shay,
What a great tip! Thanks so much for sharing.
Andrea says
What a sweet story about your mama. I’m so happy to have found your recipe. I have the meat in the oven now and it smells great! I believe this will be in our rotation, so easy and kids will love it. Thank you for the story and the great recipe!
Jackie Garvin says
Thank you, Andrea! I hope your kids enjoy the hamburgers. ❤️
Vickie Davis says
Made these and they were fantastic! Thank you! Husband and I both craving these and are far far away from nearest Krystal…..hit all the bells and whistles
Jackie Garvin says
So glad you enjoyed them! ❤️
Karen Taylor says
When I was in high school, my brother and I went by bus to visit my uncle and aunt in Franklin,Tn. They were members of the Grand Ole Opry and he was part of the comedy couple, Quinine Gumstrump (Him) and Buck. They. Appear in the Film “The Road To Nashville” which you can view on You Tube. He is the tall (6’5”)bearded guy. He was in a couple of Marty Robbins films as well. When he was forced into retirement because of a car accident he was hired by Marty as his booking agent. This was the time we visited him.
Sorry it’s long but background I thought you would enjoy. Anyway on one trip around Nashville we stopped at Krystal Burger and he got a sackful! We loved them but Ohio didn’t have them so we tried to tell family about them and how good they were. ! Living in Indiana now we have Crystal Burger, but I don’t think they are as good and hubby didn’t like them. So I may give these a try!
Thanks for sharing!
Jackie Garvin says
Great memories! Thank you for sharing.